Unbeknownst to the young lovers, Lucia and Tag, Mt. Vesuvius is about to erupt destroying the Italian city of Pompeii. Lucia, a privileged daughter ofUnbeknownst to the young lovers, Lucia and Tag, Mt. Vesuvius is about to erupt destroying the Italian city of Pompeii. Lucia, a privileged daughter of Lucius Titurius, a mean-spirited, tyrannical father who owns a much-maligned, unpopular gladiator school. Tag, a medical slave in Titurius's house, was once part of a privileged Etruscan family but lost all when the Roman's intervened. Tag and Lucia were childhood playmates, but three years have separated the two when Tag was sent away for medial training. Blossoming and growing, the two reconnect and a romance brews even though Lucia is betrothed to a much older man who will supply her father's house with much needed funds for his school. A young patrician, Quintus, visiting from a neighboring town, also has his eye on Lucia and Tag. He convinces Lucia's father to stop her original betrothal and become attached to him instead.

Unable to deny their love, Tag and Lucia plan to run away and start a life together elsewhere. Nightly, they plan an escape that will lead them both to freedom. Hoping against hope, that no one has caught on to their plans or their secret love affair. But, both Lucia's father and Quintus find out with dire consequences. They are being watched carefully, yet none of them know the extent of mother nature's plans.

Lucia has been keenly interested in the rumblings and changes in the air and senses a foreboding event. No one but Tag believes her and she is chastised for using her brain. Tag is a talented medic and he believes his skills will be valuable elsewhere. Just as their plans come to fruition, the great Mt. Vesuvius explodes throwing ash, dust, and fiery plumes into the air. The whole town is in an uproar. Tag and Lucia must find each other and escape while chaos ensues. Will they make it and find the freedom they have longed for?

Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii portrays a moment in time when life stopped instantly for those caught in the fiery event. Carefully researched with interesting and informative back notes, any history buff will eagerly devour the historical perspective of two star-crossed lovers caught in a disaster like no other. ...more

As June helps Day escape the executioner's touch, Day sees his brother John suffer his fate. He has taken his place on death's door. Now, the two younAs June helps Day escape the executioner's touch, Day sees his brother John suffer his fate. He has taken his place on death's door. Now, the two young fugitives desperately try to make their way from Los Angeles into Las Vegas and finally Denver to join the Patriots in their attempt to dismantle the Republic and the Elector's hold over the people. Then...the unbelievable happens, the Elector dies and his successor is his young son, Anden.

Still, Day and June see that the Republic will be the same under Anden. The Patriot's leader, Razor, recruits the duo to overthrow the new leader. Their job? Assassinate Anden. According to plan, June infiltrates his guards and finds Anden and although she is held prisoner, gets to talk at length with him. She finds him to be nothing like his father and has serious second doubts about the assassination. But, how to get word to Day, now that they have been strategically separated? June sends a message to Day in code and he gets that she wants the killing stopped, but why? How will any of that alleviate the murders both teens have seen especially of their own precious family members?

The reader will be taken on a thrilling ride of twists and turns, allegiances and betrayals, and wondering who will be the good guys in the end. Prodigy will have every reader guessing up until the end, but will be shocked at the conclusion of this second book in the series. Not quite as engaging as Legend, but still worthy of five stars. ...more

A seemingly realistic portrait of war further complicated by a group called The Young Martyrs, The Taliban, a secret cache of weapons, and a mysteriouA seemingly realistic portrait of war further complicated by a group called The Young Martyrs, The Taliban, a secret cache of weapons, and a mysterious young girl with haunting green eyes and jet black hair that appears at curious moments and disappears when her demise appears certain. Ellie Nielsen, a British Medic and her group join American Navy Seals to solve a mystery of sorts during wartime in Afghanistan. The haunting young girl in the blue dress is the daughter of an American journalist and Afghani father...moreover, she is the granddaughter of a high-ranking American military man, General McCollum.

As the military group nears a decimated village that destroyed civilians, buildings, and the life as they knew it...the Navy Seals and British armed troop realize that other factors must be at work to consciously destroy an unarmed village. That's when the body of the American journalist is found with incriminating evidence that solves the tactical and international mystery. In all of this chaos, a budding romance is brewing between the young British medic, Ellie, and the handsome Navy Seal, Ben. Can there love survive this?

Torn is full of intrigue and suspense...yet lulls us into complicated mess of international tension. Saskia Maarieveld is great at reading the text and giving us different voices for the characters. ...more

Clementine DeVore had been trapped in a cellar from the time she was a young child held down by willow roots and kept alive by some dark, strange magiClementine DeVore had been trapped in a cellar from the time she was a young child held down by willow roots and kept alive by some dark, strange magic. Not until Eric Fisher found her and rescued her ten years later did she see the light of day. Something unearthly force draw him to her and that, in itself, sets off a strange, eerie force that her original captivity was supposed to stop.

Together with Fisher, her cousin Shiny and two other friends in New South Bend, Davenport and Rae, they seek to uncover just what Fiendish forces are at work and what they hope to accomplish. As the five band together, they all exhibit creepy and magical ways that were once believed to have destroyed the town years before. The fiends and helldogs of the hollow are awakening with their convergence. What will happen now?

Fiendish is creepy and foreboding and full of dark magic. Read through to the end and you too will discover just what is really at work in this ravaged town. ...more

With parents who are scientists, all Maisie Danger Brown ever wanted to be was an astronaut/scientist herself...and there is no way a little thing likWith parents who are scientists, all Maisie Danger Brown ever wanted to be was an astronaut/scientist herself...and there is no way a little thing like a missing right arm is going to stop her. When she spots a contest on a cereal box that awards a few special teens a chance to attend a NASA-like space boot camp, under the direction of genius Dr. Bonnie Howell, she is eager to try for it.

She's chosen and heads from Salt Lake City to Texas for the thrill of a lifetime. Little does she know that her life will change, irrecoverably, forever. There she quickly rises to the top of the group, and with four other geniuses...Wilder, Ruth, Mi-Sun, and Jacques, they form a highly intelligent firearm team. Their prize, to be one of only few civilians to ride the Space Elevator that was created by Howell. Howell, of course, has somewhat sinister plans for these young people, not the least of which includes saving Planet Earth from annihilation. The five are 'infected' with an alien-created token which gives each of them unique super powers that will assist them in taking out the evil forces that will soon attempt to change Earth from a lush green planet to a deadly brown.

It wouldn't be any sort of sci-fi story without things going terribly awry at every turn and it is left to only one of them to take on the challenge all on her own. Will she succeed? Not if the dastardly and evil forces, both human and alien, have anything to do with it. Dangerous starts out with a great premise, but falls short with superficial characters, weak character development, and an iffy plot. Too bad...however, teens may really glom onto this story since it has the necessary elements of a good superhero adventure. ...more

Seemingly incompatible and not-ever-likely-to-get-together, Eleanor & Park find that there is an irresistible energy between them...and slowly, suSeemingly incompatible and not-ever-likely-to-get-together, Eleanor & Park find that there is an irresistible energy between them...and slowly, surely they hook up. Both misfits and odd-men-out in their own unique way, they find a way to make each other the most important person in each other's life. Bullied, ostracized, and rejected by their families in completely different ways, these two find romance despite their circumstances.

Of course, Eleanor, with her weird clothes, brilliant red hair, and scary family is bullied at school and at home, but Park's family is a little more understanding and they even welcome Eleanor into their 'loving' family. As Eleanor's bully starts getting more and more flagrant with sexual innuendo written inside her school books, the two become more and more afraid of the consequences it could mean. When they finally do figure out who is verbally attacking Eleanor, she realizes she must high-tail it out of town...and out of Park's life, too.

Eleanor & Park is undoubtedly a sad, teary YA novel, yet it is romance at its best. Whether they find a way to stay together is unseen as the ending is infuriatingly vague, yet in this case it totally works. I know every reader makes up their own mind about those three words written on a post card...I know what my vote is, and I am not telling. YOU have to read the book, and I highly recommend that you do. ...more

In a dark and disjointed future America where the western part of the country, The Republic is at war with the eastern half known as The Colony, the dIn a dark and disjointed future America where the western part of the country, The Republic is at war with the eastern half known as The Colony, the divide between the haves and the have-nots is stark. In the former Los Angeles, 15 year-old June is a prodigy having scored a perfect 1500 on her trial. She has moved through the top military university with equal stats. Her brother, Matias is equally gifted and a top ranking military man. Day, is a poor street rat and having failed his trials lives one day at a time. He escaped the horror bestowed upon those who fail, not the labor camp as he once believed, but experimentation and/or death. He now survives to keep a watch over his mother and brothers John and Eden, even though he has to do it from a distance. Plagues are infesting the counties of the Republic and the poor does not have access to medication or cures.

When Day gets into a scuffle with military guards and is accused of murdering June's brother, the hunt is on for him, even though he is adept at maneuvering the streets and escaping danger. June, especially, can't wait to see him captured. She dons a disguise and takes to the streets to sniff out his whereabouts. What she finds is not at all what she was led to believe and her world, and that of Day's, is shattered. The proof of the Republic's lies is found in a cryptic message from her deceased brother and now she knows she has to set the record straight and will need assistance from a most unlikely source.

Legend is a thriller with danger, violence, military tactics, and romance at every turn. June and Day, once at odds with each other's lifestyle and beliefs, come together to find some common ground, even though they never thought is possible. ...more

A romance with a unthinkable ending, Me Before You is a love story between quadriplegic Will Traynor and his quirky, sassy caregiver Louisa Clark. JusA romance with a unthinkable ending, Me Before You is a love story between quadriplegic Will Traynor and his quirky, sassy caregiver Louisa Clark. Just six months before, Lou walked into the Traynor mansion desperate to be employed again, and willing to take on anything...well, almost. She is assigned to be Will's companion, confidante, and mood-booster. She almost succeeds, even though he is moody, obstinate, and unnerving.

She plots, plans, and tries to manipulate Will's view of the world...one in which the once hard-playing, dynamic, handsome man was king of his own little empire. Beyond wealthy, Will dabbled in every thrill-seeking, dangerous, extreme activity there is. Now disabled, he is barely able to move and sees no joy in his life. He has the perfect solution to his predicament. His decision breaks her heart and eases his pain.

Six months changes Louisa's world, having Will in it for a short time. She falls in love with him, and if he would admit, him with her. Would these two have found each other without the accident? Probably not, but fate decided these two had to meet, to figure out their own respective paths, having known the intense love they shared.

Adrienne Dealey falls in and out of love about as easily as she changes her underwear and jobs. A globe-trotting, flighty 28 year-old who has not founAdrienne Dealey falls in and out of love about as easily as she changes her underwear and jobs. A globe-trotting, flighty 28 year-old who has not found what she is looking for. An acquaintance mentions a job opening at a trendy restaurant in Nantucket and she finds more than a job, she find Thatcher Smith who is a loser at love, too. Together they make a mean omelet under the disapproving eye of Fiona Smith, Thatcher's childhood friend and first love. Fiona is dying, Thatcher is committed to her, and Adrienne is left hanging.

The Blue Bistro is a quick read, but oh-so-sappy and predictable. A sappy, fluffy, chick-lit novel about restaurants, love-triangles, and Nantucket....more

High-powered Manhattan Real Estate lawyer, Ellen Branford returns to the small town of Beacon, Maine to fulfill a dying wish of her beloved grandmotheHigh-powered Manhattan Real Estate lawyer, Ellen Branford returns to the small town of Beacon, Maine to fulfill a dying wish of her beloved grandmother. She feels it is her duty to personally deliver a hand-written letter to Chet Cummings as instructed by her grandmother as she whispers this last request to Ellen. Even though Ellen is beyond-busy with work and her upcoming marriage plans to influential politically-affiliated lawyer Hayden Croft, she feels she cannot deny her grandmother's wishes.

While in Beacon, she meets carpenter Roy Cummings when she inadvertently falls into the ocean and nearly gets carried away by the ocean's strong currents. As the days go on, and Ellen puts bits and pieces together about her grandmother's obviously secretive life before she married her grandfather, Ellen becomes enamored with the small town, her grandmother's hidden artistic talents, and a certain handsome carpenter who has stolen her heart.

What to do, what to do? Should she follow her heart and stay behind in her grandmother's childhood home, or should she return to New York and it glitzy lights and non-stop activity where she has been comfortable for years? The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café is a romantic trip through the glory of New England and is totally predictable, yet our romantic side wins out as we root for star-crossed lovers in the end. ...more

High school junior Kristina Snow seems to have a perfect life. But, when she visits her father in Albuquerque, she meets the monster, Crank. Her fatheHigh school junior Kristina Snow seems to have a perfect life. But, when she visits her father in Albuquerque, she meets the monster, Crank. Her father is not what she remembered, he is a druggie himself who doesn't really care about his daughter. For the three weeks she is there, Kristina befriends Adam, who introduces her to his drug of choice. And, ever since, she has sought out the monster.

Back home, she seeks out new friends, neglects school and grades, and will do just about anything to get her fix. She meets Brendan, gorgeous and athletic, who rapes her. Chase comes along to soothe her fragile being and supply her with sex and the occasional drug party. When Kristina discovers she's pregnant, her suspicious mother and step-father learn just what Kristina's life has become.

Crank is a powerful story that all teens should read. The monster crank is always on your mind once you've been introduced. It carries you away from friends, family, responsibilities, and financial security. Where will Kristina end up now that she has another life to care for and love? Crank is a sad and unfortunately too true account of drug addiction, based on the author's daughter's teenage years. ...more

Kevin Spencer is STILL trying to figure out how to get his dream girl Tina to notice him, so they can be the coolest couple out there. He sets a planKevin Spencer is STILL trying to figure out how to get his dream girl Tina to notice him, so they can be the coolest couple out there. He sets a plan in motion to 'study' other great romances...well, romances that seem to be working for his family and friends. And, what he finds, not surprisingly, is that every couple has their own nuances and subtle ways of interacting, that may not work for him. What he did learn, though, is that he has to just step out of his comfort zone and talk to Tina.

Crush: The Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Love is full of middle school humor, yet it has a sweetness and tenderness to it too. Kevin is the enbodiment of what we have all have been, or will go through someday. Young romance is all consuming, yet very trying for a tween's heart. Kevin, while hopelessly in love, was missing all the clues that were right in front of him...even as the reader is begging him to open his eyes (and heart). ...more

When Ellie receives an email by mistake from Graham, she politely answers him back that he has the wrong person. But, as fate would have it, the two dWhen Ellie receives an email by mistake from Graham, she politely answers him back that he has the wrong person. But, as fate would have it, the two develop an easy-going, friendly conversation that turns into mutual admiration and soul-searching. The correspondence continues for months with neither one of them knowing each other's names. Little does Ellie know that she is talking to teen heartthrob, Graham Larkin, who is so famous, he's lonely all the time and just wants a real friend.

Graham finally figures out which small town in Maine that Ellie lives in and he conspires to have his next big block-buster movie shot in her town. When all the paparazzi, movie crews, and fans cluster around during the shoots, Ellie wants nothing to do with it...not realizing that her email confidant is close by. But, when she happens to pass him by in the street, Ellie sees the sadness and loneliness in Graham's eyes.

Eventually the two meet in person and a romance begins. But, now Graham is in for a shock since Ellie has some secrets of her own. She is the illegitimate daughter of a rising politician about to throw his hat into the ring for the presidency of the United States. Ellie's mother has warned her to stay out of the spotlight to protect her absent father.

This Is What Happy Looks Like is a story about facing obstacles and coming to terms with them, even if they might affect the lives of those you love in a negative way. Ellie and Graham must deal with the implications of their star-crossed love and decide the direction which will make them the happiest....more

Beautiful Nimira, working as a trouser girl in a seedy dancing hall, captures the eye of a tall, handsome stranger Hollin Parry. She surely has no cluBeautiful Nimira, working as a trouser girl in a seedy dancing hall, captures the eye of a tall, handsome stranger Hollin Parry. She surely has no clue what he could want with her, but she is intrigued, none-the-less. Hollin presents her with an offer of employment...to sing alongside a piano-playing automaton. She accepts his offer of employment...hoping-against-hope that this is her ticket to a better life. But when she arrives at his home, other mysterious rumors start to unfold at Parry's mansion...a madwoman roaming the halls, sorcery, wars between humans and fairies, and Hollin himself, is he really who he says he is?

Nimira eventually finds out the truth about the automaton...his name is Erris and he is a long-lost prince, heir to the fairy throne! Yes, they fall in love, but Erris is trapped, how can Nimira help him? With the help of some very unusual characters, Nimira and Erris break through the barriers to his release...sort of. Is there really hope for them? Mmmmm...maybe. ...more

With a world at war all around them, Vidya, a young girl and her family are at war amongst themselves, too. India is a land steeped in rich traditionsWith a world at war all around them, Vidya, a young girl and her family are at war amongst themselves, too. India is a land steeped in rich traditions, yet the peaceful land is on the edge of turmoil. Her once brilliant father, a doctor, was brutally beaten by British officers during a peaceful protest inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Now virtually a vegetable, her father and the family must rely on relatives to sustain them. But, most of her father's family is resentful of this change in the household.

Vidya is a fiesty young woman who wants an education instead of marriage. Her father was once her ally and strongest supporter of this dream, but now it seems as though all of that is lost to her. Unexpectedly, amazingly, she finds a new ally in her grandfather who eventually realizes that Vidya must fly and be allowed to fulfill a dream that is her passion. All of this happens just as Vidya's brother, Kitta enlists in the army. Kitta feels that Hitler must be stopped.

Vidya also finds a kindred spirit in Raman, a young man about to travel to a new land and study at MIT. They are both of the same mind when it comes to education...but, even though their is a romance brewing between the two, will this hinder Vidya's hopes of becoming a doctor like her father? Old traditions are difficult to break, but Vidya may just be the one to make the old and new come together. ...more

In the small southern town of Gatlin, 16-year-old Ethan Wate is smothering and dying to leave...that is until he sets his eyes upon new girl, beautifuIn the small southern town of Gatlin, 16-year-old Ethan Wate is smothering and dying to leave...that is until he sets his eyes upon new girl, beautiful, yet darkly mysterious, Lena Duchannes. He is drawn to her, even though his friends call her a freak for being the niece of the equally mysterious Macon Ravenwood. The two slowly get to know each other and what Ethan finds out is that Lena has supernatural powers that she is just coming into and her family is not of the mortal variety.

The school, students, administration, and community turn against Lena and thereby Ethan. They are two outcasts in a sea of Southern hospitality and Confederate morality with the exception of Ethan's forever friend, Link. Lena learns more about the Dark powers and how she may turn dark once she is 16. She is fearful, yet hopeful in the beginning that she will turn to the Light. As time goes on, however, and as she learns more and more about her family, her suspicions and fears become overwhelming.

Ethan and Lena's romance is the strength that will pull them through or destroy everything depending on the turn of events. Secrets are hidden which must be revealed. Will their love survive Lena's Claiming on the 16th Moon? Only time will tell.

Beautiful Creatures is a supernatural romance that is rich with descriptive elements, dangerous connections, and curses that will be inevitably fulfilled...or will they? A page turner with lots of action and suspense as it moves toward the fateful ending. ...more

OH....the trials and tribulations of young love. Greg Heffley wants desperately to ask someone to the Valentine's Day Dance, but everything and everybOH....the trials and tribulations of young love. Greg Heffley wants desperately to ask someone to the Valentine's Day Dance, but everything and everybody get in the way. When, just before the dance day starts, Abigail breaks up with her boyfriend, Greg sees his chance, but so does his best friend, Rowley. So, off they go to the dance as a threesome!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel is full of humor and realistic events for a middle school boy. I can fully understand why kids love these books so much! They are easy to read, unputdownable, and speak their language. ...more

Another wonderful graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier, Drama is one that all post-teenagers can relate to. Finding your way, finding your love, findingAnother wonderful graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier, Drama is one that all post-teenagers can relate to. Finding your way, finding your love, finding out who you really are and who your friends really are is what this book is all about...but, mostly it is about accepting friends for who they are, no matter what.

Callie is passionate about set design and works on her middle schools production of Moon over Mississippi with friends Liz, Justin, Jessie, West, and Loren. But, the behind-the-scenes production takes on new meaning as Callie finds out just who she really is and where she fits in. She is great at what she does for the sets and is recognized for her achievements. The play is revealing in so many other way, too, though, as Callie is finding her way in the romance department. A light-hearted and heart-tugging tale of middle school angst.

Telgemeier is a hugely talented artist who captures facial expressions and emotions with her sequential art. I look forward to her next 'production.'...more

Jane Hayes has an obsession with Mr. Darcy (you know, the Austen 'Mr. Darcy'). All of her previous (count 'em, 13), don't measure up to the legend. ShJane Hayes has an obsession with Mr. Darcy (you know, the Austen 'Mr. Darcy'). All of her previous (count 'em, 13), don't measure up to the legend. She's hopeless.

Enter a very wise, old Aunt Carolyn, who upon her death has willed her niece a trip to the lush English countryside and onto the grounds of Austenland. Will she meet her very own Mr. Darcy or some equally scrumptious boyfriend #14? Upon arriving, Jane (now cast as Jane Erstwhile), finds herself a player in a field of Regency actors all playing a part in Austen's novels. Clients who come to the estate are wealthy...wealthy enough to live out this extravagant fantasy. And, then there is little ole, financially stapped, Jane.

Soon, Jane tires of all the play-acting and can't quite figure out where the roles start and real-life begins. She's found an ally in Martin, the modern gardener, who doesn't have a role to fill in the fantasy (or does he?). But, when he rebuffs and insults her, Jane is ready to pack it up and go home a-forever-spinster. HA! The joke's on Jane.

A fun, quirky kind of girly romance that is fun for easy-breezy reading. A girl can get caught in the romance, can't she? Yeah... and the the readers can, too!...more

Before You Go is a down-to-Earth, no-nonsense portrayal of grief at its darkest moments. Add to that*Tissue Alert*...because you'll need to stock up.

Before You Go is a down-to-Earth, no-nonsense portrayal of grief at its darkest moments. Add to that, teenage angst and vulnerability and you've got a cocktail blended with raw emotions and overwhelming melancholy.

Jude Fox, about to be a senior in high school, spends his summer working a dead-end job at a beach-side concession stand. There he meets Becka, a girl with her head in the right place. He needs this stability since his whole family is still coming to grips with the death of his sister, a four-year-old at the time, who drowned in the family swimming pool when 9 year-old Jude was on watch. He stills blames himself even though he was too young to babysit.

Jude forms a wall of safety around himself with Becka on one side and his best friend, Corey on the other. Things seem to be looking up and moving forward in a positive direction. That's when the bottom falls out from under him again. His grief is unimaginable, undeniable, and he distances himself from anyone who wants to reach out to him.

Now that Kate and Vincent have professed their undying love, they try to find a way to be together throughout Kate's mortal life. But, darker forces aNow that Kate and Vincent have professed their undying love, they try to find a way to be together throughout Kate's mortal life. But, darker forces are surrounding the revenants, and the numas are gathering power to avenge the death of their leader, Lucien. Jean-Baptiste and Gaspard bring two powerful revenants into the fold...Violette and Arthur, who have a strange connection.

As Kate continually practices her defensive fighting techniques, Vincent is increasingly aware of just how very much Kate is in danger. The numa will want revenge for their loss. And, Kate and Vincent's love is growing deeper and stronger every day. Vincent is trying a radical approach to solving their human-immortal dilemma that seemingly makes him weaker by the day. Kate, in her own feisty fashion, is researching ways of her own, which unwittingly brings new dangers into the household.

One among them is a traitor, and the traitorous actions bring heightened danger to Vincent and Kate, and even Kate's family. Will Vincent's lifeless body be brought to life in time? That's were Book #2 leaves off and most assuredly, Book #3 will begin. Waiting...ugh. ...more

Their castle's in ruins and it is up to young 17-year-old Althea Crawley to marry rich and save the castle for her 4 year-old brother, Alexander. AlthTheir castle's in ruins and it is up to young 17-year-old Althea Crawley to marry rich and save the castle for her 4 year-old brother, Alexander. Althea's beauty is known far and wide and it should be easy for her to capture a wealthy man's heart...right? Well, she is also spunky, strong-willed, and speaks her mind. What man is up to that task?

Along comes handsome, young, rich Lord Boring. He is smitten, and Althea is sure he will propose...and just in time since the castle is literally falling apart! Yet, he surprises the whole town when he proposes to Althea's step-sister, sneaky Charity Winthrop. What?? Making matters worse is that Lord Boring's cousin, Mr. Fredericks is crass, brass, and a tag-a-long. Sure, he's a wizard with financial plans and numbers, but he only manages Lord Boring's money.

When things seem to be just about as desperate as they can be, the truth comes out and Althea gets a marriage proposal that is out of the blue. Who really is the wealthy man in the picture? And, how fortunate that his biting wit is a match for Miss Crawley...a match perfect for romance,equality, and a castle in desperate need of repairs.

Keeping the Castle is a mini-Pride and Prejudice for young readers. ...more

As the third summer with the pants looms, what lies ahead will be a surprise to all.

Lena: loses at love, wins, and loses again...to the unthinkable.As the third summer with the pants looms, what lies ahead will be a surprise to all.

Lena: loses at love, wins, and loses again...to the unthinkable. But, she immerses herself in her art and she fights a battle with her strict parents in which she comes out a winner, in her eyes and in her parent's hearts.

Brigid: Finds the love for soccer again, signs up to be a coach in Pennsylvania and finds the unexpected: Erik. He has a girlfriend, she resigns herself to being his friend and finds it wonderful. But, fate and Erik, have other ideas.

Carmen: Her life as an only child abruptly ceases, as her mother and David are expecting. First bitter, then resigned, then joyful...her life spins with surprising feelings.

Tibby: A near-tragic event makes Tibby realize just how much she loves her little siblings. And, being Christina's (Carmen's mother) birth coach only cements the feelings.

All the girls find some semblence of romantic love in upexpected places. Onto the fourth summer!...more

Rob, Juliet, and Rosaline, up until the age of of 7, were inseparable. They did everything together. When Juliet and her family moved away, however, iRob, Juliet, and Rosaline, up until the age of of 7, were inseparable. They did everything together. When Juliet and her family moved away, however, it left Rob and Rose to cement the bond even further. Now they are seniors in high school, Rob and Rose have begun a romantic relationship, and are headed for Stanford next year. But, guess who shows up again? That's right, Juliet. Her family transferred back and now she has her sights set on Rob. There is bitterness, jealousy, and revenge in her heart as she rips everything away from Rose, even though they are cousins.

Rose moves on with a great support system from her closest friends, Olivia and Charlie who are both beautiful, smart, and have committed boyfriends. Slowly, Rose feels like an outsider and it is painful to see Rob and Juliet together. That's when an acquaintance from her past comes back into her Roses's life. Len, former piano lesson partner, sees her pain and quietly tries to ease some of it. Rose has no idea that he has loved her from afar forever. He's odd, he's sarcastic, he's incredibly talented and has already been accepted to Julliard...those once-upon-a-time-ago piano lessons meant something to him. Rose starts to see more than a distant friendship with Len. She's agrees to go on a date with him...he is smitten, yet realistic. Rose is cautious.

Rob and Juliet's relationship is becoming toxic...Juliet is suicidal and vindictive, Rob is in a drunken stupor and shows up at Rose's door asking for forgiveness and insisting she come back to him. Let the spiraling out of control begin.

When You Were Mine is one romantically, addictive story...although I see no real connection to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, except, of course, the play on the names. I think it deserves to be judged on its own, without the suggestion that it should be linked to Shakespeare. It is one great love story all on its own. ...more

Cyd Charisse, CC, Ceece, Cupcake are just some of the nom de plumes of this formerly(?) wild-child, hellion from San Francisco. She's ended up on theCyd Charisse, CC, Ceece, Cupcake are just some of the nom de plumes of this formerly(?) wild-child, hellion from San Francisco. She's ended up on the doorstep of her stepbrother, Danny who has just broken up with his boyfriend of 10 years, Aaron. CC has just parted ways with her surfer boyfriend, Shrimp. Cupcake is the story of CC finding herself and her way in New York without the love of her life.

She is brassy, sassy, and full of herself, yet she is vunerable, good-hearted, and broken-hearted. She tries to pass the time, all the while missing Shrimp, yet she can't find her path. That's when Shrimp shows up again. This is their story.

When I started reading this, I didn't realize it was Cyd Charisse, #3 and I'd missed out on the first two. Probably would have enjoyed it better if I had read the others. All-in-all, though, a quick, quirky read. ...more

WOW! Die for Me is heart-racingly romantic, heart-throbbingly exciting and dangerous, and one of the most fun reads I've read in a long time.

Katie andWOW! Die for Me is heart-racingly romantic, heart-throbbingly exciting and dangerous, and one of the most fun reads I've read in a long time.

Katie and her sister, Georgia lost both parents to an tragic accident. Deep with grief, they decide to pack it up and move from Brooklyn to Paris to live with Papy and Mamie, their sweet, doting grandparents. Georgia eases her grief by doing the club scene and flirting with every boy out there. Katie, on the other hand, stays secluded inside the house rereading all her favorite novels...that is, until she meets gorgeous, chivalrous Vincent. There is something a little odd about Vincent, though, and his touch sends her body tingling and her mind floating away. Through a series of badly timed encounters, Katie learns that Vincent is a revenant...one of the undead whose post-human life's mission is to keep other human's from dying tragically. She meets his 'kindred' or family and learns about their near-human like existence, with the biggest difference being their dormancy. They have no need for sleep except for three days per month while they go dormant.

Katie is not sure she can handle this other-worldly existence in Vincent. But, just when she decides she loves him too much to let him go, she finds out that he lives in danger of being killed by the evil revenant, Lucien, whose mission is just the opposite of Vincent's family...it is to destroy human life. A battle ensues.

This book is thrilling and oh-so-romantic...but the most pulsating scene is the one where Katie and Vincent become one (and not in the way you think!). I CANNOT wait to read #2.

Four forever friends: beautiful, aloof Lena who has no use for boys, but they all love her; brassy, confident Brigid who has more athletic ability inFour forever friends: beautiful, aloof Lena who has no use for boys, but they all love her; brassy, confident Brigid who has more athletic ability in her little finger than most girls have in their whole body; dark, yet lovely Carmen who longs for her parents to reunite; and ordinary yet loyal Tibby who is a steady force are unlikely friends. Yet the summer of their entry into world of sixteen year-olds finds these friends apart for the first time ever. Lena travels to Greece to visit her grandparents and meets the boy of her dreams (but does she realize it?). Brigid is at a soccer camp in California, confirms that her athletism is unparalleled but makes some unwise decisions. Carmen is scheduled to visit her dad in South Carolina but is in for the surprise of her life. And, Tibby, the only one who stays home is confronted with life and death, in a way that she never dreamed.

What binds them all together during this time, is a pair of magical blue jeans that somehow, someway fits each of the girls even though their body types are not at all similar. The pants, while traveling to each girl throughout the summer, gives strengths to each them, from each other, so that they will continue to carry on and cement the friendship that they all knew would never die.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a coming-of-age story which makes us realize how much we actually rely on friends even when apart. A fun, inspiring read. ...more

An apt conclusion to a heated love story between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. Throughout their short, intense relationship, their love has groAn apt conclusion to a heated love story between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. Throughout their short, intense relationship, their love has grown to epic proportions. No amount of pesky interference from exes, stalkers, kidnappers, or inept business partners could tear them apart. I'd like to hear more from YOU, Mr. Grey!

Rhine and Gabriel escape, only to have Vaughn hot on their trail. The duo manages to avoid him temporarily, but Vaughn is up to his creepy, underhandeRhine and Gabriel escape, only to have Vaughn hot on their trail. The duo manages to avoid him temporarily, but Vaughn is up to his creepy, underhanded tricks and Rhine goes back to his vile mansion, full of child-brides, malformed offspring, and medical experiments. Only now, Rhine does not have the protection of Linden, Rose, Gabriel, or Deidre. She is hooked up, prodded, and bruised...until Cecily finds her. But, can she help her?

Fever is the second book in the The Chemical Garden trilogy which has us aching for Rhine's safe return to her brother and away from Vaughn's manipulation. This one is a little darker and a little creepier...wonder what the third book will bring?...more